Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil
Tender shrimp sautéed with garlic, chili, and fresh basil create a vibrant and aromatic seafood dish perfect for a quick dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 16 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, garlic cloves, minced, red chili flakes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes
- 1/2 cup, roughly chopped fresh basil leaves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tsp red chili flakes, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, to the skillet in a single layer. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on one side until pink and opaque at the edges.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and firm to the touch. Stir in 1/2 cup roughly chopped fresh basil leaves and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, tossing to combine and wilt the basil.
- Step 4: Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnished with extra basil if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil take to make?
Total time is about 16 minutes (10 min prep + 6 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep garlic cloves, minced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Sautéed Garlic and Chili Shrimp with Fresh Basil?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
